Overview of World Religions

These flashcards cover key concepts and facts regarding world religions, including their characteristics, distributions, beliefs, and cultural implications.

What are the three largest universalizing religions in the world?

Christianity, Islam, and Buddhism.

What percentage of the world's population practices ethnic religions?

Approximately 26%.

What are the major branches of Christianity in Europe?

Roman Catholic, Protestant, and Orthodox.

What branch of Islam is the largest?

Sunni Islam.

What is the dominant religion in North America?

Christianity, primarily Protestant and Catholic.

What is the ethnic religion with the largest number of adherents?

Hinduism, with about 900 million followers.

What is syncretism in the context of religions?

The blending or combining of several traditions.

What are the four noble truths in Buddhism?

1. All living beings must endure suffering. 2. Suffering is caused by a desire to live. 3. The goal is to escape suffering into nirvana. 4. Nirvana is attained through an eightfold path.

Who is considered the founder of Buddhism?

Siddhartha Gautama, also known as the Buddha.

What major event in the Catholic Church influenced its spread during the Roman Empire?

Constantine's acceptance of Christianity.

What are sacred spaces in religion?

Places of worship or structures that physically anchor religion to a landscape.

What is the significance of the Quran in Islam?

It is the holy book accepted as God's words revealed to the Prophet Muhammad.

What is the difference between a branch and a denomination in religion?

A branch is a large division within a religion; a denomination is a division of a branch that unites local congregations.

What is the holiest city in Islam?

Mecca.

How do universalizing and ethnic religions differ in their diffusion?

Ethnic religions often lack missionaries and are more closely tied to their places of origin.

What are major holidays in universalizing religions typically related to?

Events in the life of the religion's founder.

What does religious fundamentalism refer to?

A literal interpretation and strict adherence to basic principles of a religion.

Where do most of the world's Jews live?

About two-fifths live in the United States and two-fifths in Israel.

What is a Utopian settlement?

An ideal community built around a religious way of life.

What is the relationship between Hinduism and its geographic origin?

Hinduism is closely tied to India, where the majority of its adherents live.

What are important factors that lead to religious conflict?

Cultural diversity, differing religious practices, and territorial claims.